Bridge dummy server



May 20, 1941- J. -D.A BRowN 2,242,447

BRIDGE DUMMY SERVER' Filed July 26, 1940 Patented May 20, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BRIDGE DUMMIY SERVER .lames D. Brown, San Antonio, Tex. Application July 26, 1940, Seria,lNo.-347,748

Claims.

This invention relates to a bridge dummy server.

An object of this invention is to provide novel means for bridge players to have a more eflicient method for handling the dummy hand in bridge. It is customary to arrange the dummy hand in numerical order, providing the four suits in their respective order, and laying them face up in four rows, facing the bidder. In accordance with this invention, novel pockets are provided for receiving each of the dummy cards in such a way as to resemble the contour of the cards held by a hand; this factor will facilitate playing from the dummy as it will not become disarranged as so often happens with the old method; then, too, it permits the bidder to draw the dummy hand closer to the center of the table, thus avoiding reaching as far as in the old manner.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan View of a device constructed in accordance with the present invention, while Figure 2' is a rear view of the same.

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken on lines 3 3, Figure 1, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the left hand portion of the device, showing parts in section.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5 5, Figure 4, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken on line 6 6, Figure 4, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary View, partly in perspective and partly in section.

Referring to the drawing, in which I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, I designates a base unit, which comprises an elongated primary base element 2 and an auxiliary, elongated base element 3. I'hese elements 2 and 3 are preferable made of suitable sheet-like material, or cardboard and are cut in the manner shown.

To the back of the base unit I are secured rest devices 4, whereby the base unit I is retained in a spaced position upon a support, as is clearly shown in Figure 3. Each rest device 4 is formed from suitable cardboard, and comprises an inner portion 5 (Fig. 3) an outer portion 6, a support engagingportion 'I andan inner portion 8. Portions y5 and 8 are glued or otherwise fastened to the outer face of the primary base element 2' of the base unit I.

Secured to the outer face of the auxiliary base element 3 are a plurality of pocket elements 9. Each pocket element 9 comprises an outer broad fold I0 and an inner short fold I I; these folds I0 and I I are formed from one piece of material and the material is both strong and flexible, for allowing bending slightly, during the placing and the removal of the playing cards. The inner short fold II is glued, or lotherwise fastened to the 'auxiliary base 3, and a straight spacer element I2 is fastened, preferably by gluing, under the outer fold IIJ (Fig. 7) this spacer element constitutes the bottom of each spacer element I2 is securely glued to the inner short fold II and the outer broad fold I0, whereby the pocket element 9 is produced, for receiving a playing-card.

In the drawing, I 3a designates the playingcards. l

By the novel structure described the pocket in each instant is left open, not only at the top, but also at the left hand side, whereby the playing quickly and easily inserted or extracted from the pockets I3.

The auxiliary base element 3 not only strengthens the primary base element I but it gives a built-up structure, placing the pockets in a more raised position, for aifording easy manipulation of the playing cards I 3a.v

While the preferred embodiment of this invention has been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, certain minor changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in the art to which this invention relates during the extensive manufacture of the same and, therefore, I reserve the right to make such changes or alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In 'a device of fthe class described, the combination of an elongated base unit, -a plurality of flexible pocket elements extending transversely of said base unit, each pocket element provided With an inner short fold the pocket element, a straight spacer element between each .two contiguous vpocket elements, said straight spacer element constituting the bottom of a pocket, each .pocket element being open at its top, each pocket element bei-ng open at one side opposite to said short fold, and each pocket element fastened throughout its Ibottom to said straight spacer element.

extending the height of 2. In a device of the class described, the combination of an elongated base unit, a plurality of overlapping flexible pocket elements extending transversely of said base unit, said pocket elements being open along the upper longitudinal edge of said base unit, each pocket element including a straight spacer element at its bottom and a fold at one of its side edges, said straight spacer element attached partly to said fold and partly to a contiguous pocket element, and the fold attached directly to the base unit, and each pocket lbeing open at its louter side edge opposite to said fold.

3. In a device of the class described, the combination of an elongated base unit, provided with a plurality of overlapping pocket element-s, each pocket element provi-ded with a rigid spacing element fastened partly to the pocket and partly to an adjoining pocket element, and each spacing element extending substantially lengthwise of the base unit and overlapping partly an adjoining spacing element.

4. In a device of the class described, the com- -bination of an elongated base unit provided with an upper edge, a series of pocket elements arranged in an arc of a circle upon said base unit, said pocket elements overlapping one another, each pocket element provided with stiffening reinforcing means at its bottom, said stiffening means of each pocket overlapping the stiiening means in an adjoining pocket element, and said .pocket elements all opening upon the upper edge of said base'unit.

5. In a device of the class described, the combin-ation of a base unit provided with a plurality of overlapping pocket elements, each pocket element comprising an outer broad fold having an outer end and a free side edge, each pocket element provided with a rigid spacing element at its 'bottom overlapping a contiguous pocket element and its spacing element, and each rigid spacing element spacing the outer end and the free side edge of the outer broad fold of the pocket element from said base unit.

v JAMES D. BROWN. 

